The Philippines is famous for its vast woodlands, stunning shorelines, charming landscapes, and cultural and historical landmarks, given that the nation comprises approximately 7,000 isles. But did you know that the country is also making waves in the video game industry? It offers a variety of games ranging from slice-of-life games to fighting games inspired by local mythology and chilling survival horror.

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we will showcase some of the most outstanding video games produced in the country that players should definitely consider playing or adding to their wishlist:

Until Then

Country: Philippines
Developer: Polychroma Games
Platforms: PS5, PC
Release Date: 25 June 2024

This game is quite reminiscent of Mojiken’s A Space For The Unbound. Until Then is a side-scrolling, cinematic adventure game that narrates a peculiar and captivating story of curious high school students coexisting in a fragmented reality. The game allows players to explore and navigate through everyday settings based on real-life places in the Philippines. As high-schooler Mark Borja, you will traverse a lush, exquisite pixel art environment. Through Mark’s life, you’ll experience the typical trials of a teenager such as school, piano practice, and friendships, all while sensing that something is amiss. A life-altering event is on the horizon, poised to change Mark’s life forever.

The game’s graphics ingeniously blend 3D backgrounds with 2D-pixel art, featuring intricately detailed close-ups in certain scenes. The environments are remarkably diverse and detailed, and the music perfectly complements the story.

Although there are some issues with the minigames and the overall pacing, the story in Until Then definitely makes it an experience worth having. To find out more about Until Then, check out our review.

BAYANI – Fighting Game

Country: Philippines
Developer: Ranida Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 12 June 2019

The Filipino FGC community needs to experience the awesomeness of this fighting game called BAYANI – Fighting Game. It draws heavy inspiration from the Philippines’ rich history, culture, and mythology. The final game will feature 8 unique characters, each with their own playstyles and mechanics, all inspired by historical figures from the country’s past. This promises a diverse and exciting playing experience for all fans.

BAYANI strikes a perfect balance between being easy to pick up and challenging to master. With a lower execution barrier, players can focus on the strategic and high-level aspects of the genre. The game boasts a fast-paced combat system featuring air dashes, fast movement speed, reversals, reset mechanics, and a wide array of offensive and defensive options.

The best part is that players can use whatever controller they prefer – keyboard, gamepad, arcade stick – and the game’s simplified 6-button control scheme ensures flexibility and comfort.

One of the coolest aspects of BAYANI is that all the stages are based on real locations in the Philippines, connecting with the game’s characters and their real-life inspirations. If you’re looking to step away from the usual fighting game titles, give BAYANI a shot – it’s a refreshing and unique experience!

Good Knight

Country: Philippines
Developer: Team Good Knight
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 17 September 2021

Check out Good Knight, a one-button bullet hell game that combines quick reflexes with puzzle-solving skills. The game offers an intense but manageable challenge while unravelling a dark and fascinating story. Unlike traditional bullet hell games, Good Knight features a unique puzzle-based gameplay with an immersive cinematic feel. With stunning visuals, an enthralling theme, and a headbanging soundtrack, this game is an exhilarating experience.

The game is rich with local monsters, mythology, and historical references, offering players a chance to engage with the supernatural in a way that’s rarely seen. Its lore is meticulously researched, drawing inspiration from Filipino history, literature, and precolonial and postcolonial culture.

Whether playing solo or multiplayer, Good Knight provides a thrilling experience filled with the supernatural lore of the Philippines. If you’re looking for an extraordinary gaming adventure that’s steeped in Filipino mythology, Good Knight is the perfect choice to quench your thirst for something truly unique.

Saint Maker

Country: Philippines
Developer: Yangyang Mobile
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 23 February 2023

Fear takes many forms – from clowns and heights to the sea, and more so when it relates to religion. The indie game developer YangYang Mobile, based in the Philippines, has ventured into the horror genre with its first entry, Saint Maker.

This game puts you in the shoes of Holly Beltran, a teenage girl sent to attend Saint Idelora’s Convent, where she is trained to become a devoted servant of God. At the convent, Holly meets Gabby, who is also there for the recollection. They both come face to face with an unbalanced and hostile nun and a rebellious teen who openly expresses her displeasure with the situation. What starts as discomforting quickly turns into a horrifying experience as both girls start experiencing supernatural visions and uncovering the dark secrets of Saint Idelora’s convent.

The game delves into the theme of religious trauma and offers a relatively linear visual novel experience that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Alongside the narrative, the atmospheric tones and voice acting contribute to an eerie ambience. What’s intriguing is that the developer hints at a secret “ending” to the narrative. While it may not scare hardcore horror fans in the traditional sense, it certainly delivers bone-chilling messages.

Ligaw

Country: Philippines
Developer: Raven Studios
Platforms: PC via Softonic, itch.io
Release Year: 2022

We believe this game is really interesting; it’s gaining popularity as streamers upload videos on TikTok of themselves playing “Ligaw,” a student project game. Created by four Filipino bachelor students known as Raven Studios, the game aims to shed light on the challenges that delivery riders face daily and how these challenges can affect their mental health.

Set in the first-person perspective, the game follows a delivery rider who becomes lost in the winding alleys of Caloocan City and must face strange visions and startling noises. Many have praised the game for its realistic setting and attention to detail in graphics, blending survival with psychological horror. Ligaw also includes distinctively Filipino elements such as Tagalog voice acting and familiar sights and sounds to create an immersive and authentic experience for Filipino players.

You can download the game for free on itch.io and Softonic, or consider supporting the developers by making a donation. If you’re a horror enthusiast, be sure to give this game a try!

Ang Ospital

Country: Philippines
Developer: Underdog Games
Platforms: PC via itch.io
Release Year: 2019

Considered to be one of the hidden horror video game gems made by Filipino developers, well, in this case, student developers known as Underdog Games. Many compare the game to Outlast, where a freelance journalist explores the horrors of a dilapidated hospital. However, in Ang Ospital, something is much more sinister roaming the halls of this abandoned public mental institution than your average ghost.

Set in 1920 at the Bridgerough National Institute for Mental Health in Baguio, where they aim to help patients with mental conditions. But the hospital shut down in 1979 after reports of abuse and neglect among their patients spread in the media. In the trailer, we see that they touch on child abuse, medical malpractice, and more related topics.

To survive in this hellhole, you play as Kate, a young woman suffering from anxiety disorders and Nyctophobia (extreme, irrational fear of the dark) due to years of abuse at the hands of her now-deceased father. One day, her friends invite her on a ghost-hunting trip to Baguio, which takes them to said hospital. Kate is then trapped, and she will need to get out of there before getting disembowelled by bloodthirsty killers.

What’s interesting is the anxiety mechanic where you can’t stay too long in the dark and lose your pursuer as quickly as possible. Because the greater your anxiety, the more drawn the insane killers are to you. The game also features vulgar language and expect plenty of gore stuff – beheaded, bottle in the butt – that sort of thing. If you think you have the skills to outwit the killers, get ready to strap on nerves of steel and check out Ang Ospital.

Fallen Tear: The Ascension

Country: Philippines
Developer: Winter Crew
Platforms: PC
Release Date: Coming Soon

Fallen Tear: The Ascension is a thrilling combination of Metroidvania and JRPG elements. Set in a vast magical world, the game follows the journey of Hira, a mysterious young boy on a quest to uncover his forgotten past. Players will guide him as he battles dangerous creatures, confronts corrupt gods, and overcomes various challenges to restore balance.

This game features fully-voiced characters with whom players can build relationships to unlock new abilities. The stunning hand-drawn animations bring the ever-changing environments to life. With its mix of battles, puzzles, and dynamic settings, Fallen Tear offers a refreshing twist on traditional side-scrolling Metroidvania gameplay.

While there is no specific release date yet, a free demo of Fallen Tear: The Ascension is available on Steam. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates on this exciting game.